"Democrats Outraged by Biden's Denial and Persistent Approach"

In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, his first televised interaction post last week's debate debacle, the storm of criticism doesn't seem to have abated.

Post-interview reactions from Congress members and high-ranking Democrats, shared with POLITICO, indicated that despite the president coming across as more dynamic and assertive compared to his face-off with Donald Trump last week, the interview might not suffice to settle nerves within the party.

Some Democrats were stunned at the president's outright denial of his current standing in the electoral race, and his constant disregard of the party's wide-spread anxieties. This tactic was described by some as “dangerous”.

“The debate raised questions about his fitness for the next four years, not his performance in the previous four ones," responded David Axelrod, a veterans Democratic operative and key player in Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns. “He simply ignored these concerns and seems to be living in denial about his position in this race.”

A Democratic House member, who commented anonymously, noted that being in denial about issues isn't a solution, nor a way towards convincing citizens about his ability or vision for another four-year term.

Another former White House advisor described the interview as a “stay of execution,” predicting worsening relations between the president and every Democratic officeholder fearing the loss of their seat owing to his conceding defeat to Trump as long as he tried his best.

The atmosphere within the Democratic party remains chaotic, and the interview did little to prevent an expected onslaught of calls demanding Biden's resignation from Democratic incumbents and candidates. It’s anticipated that more defectors will join the existing six members who either want Biden to step down as nominee or don't believe he can defeat Trump when Congress reconvenes next week.

House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, has planned a virtual meeting on Sunday afternoon with ranking Democratic committee members to contemplate the mounting concerns regarding Biden, shared two insiders. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) has initiated a discussion among Senate Democrats about Biden's future. Both the Senate and the House reconvene from Fourth of July recess on Monday, where the issue will undoubtedly be at the center of discussions.

“Recent attempts to give him space and grace because he’s digging in have forced Democrats to escalate their efforts. The Biden team should be more concerned about this than anything else,” commented a former official from the Biden administration.

To some, the ABC interview was Biden's chance to assure his party that he is equipped for the challenge. His poorly performing polls show that increasingly more voters find him unfavorable, too old to run again, or prefer someone else at the helm of the Democratic ticket.

Biden, sticking to his defiance, participated in a Wisconsin campaign event ahead of recording the interview. Throughout the day — at the event, on social media, during the interview and in fundraising emails — he reiterated his determination to not withdraw from the race and downplayed low polling numbers and growing calls for his resignation.

“Unless the Lord Almighty personally asked me to withdraw, I am not withdrawing. However, the Lord Almighty’s not likely to do that,” stated Biden.

Many Democrats were taken aback by Biden's continuous refusal to acknowledge serious concerns about his age and cognitive competency. A Democratic official who was part of Biden's 2020 campaign noted the danger of Biden's team possibly not being truthful with him.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) found Biden's response on undertaking a cognitive test troubling.

“His answer regarding taking a daily cognitive test was worrisome and not very persuasive. How he performs, especially in unplanned situations, will henceforth be scrutinised closely,” she stated.

Democrats have contemplated writing letters calling for Biden's resignation. Such initiatives are expected to gain momentum as Democrats regroup in Washington. There's an increasing sense among members and operatives, both publicly and privately, that Biden could obstruct their efforts to regain the House.

Aides to a Democratic governor went on record anonymously, stating, “The self-interest of those standing for election might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Once they realise he might drag everyone down with him.”

In contrast, Biden's team termed his rally in Wisconsin and interview with Stephanopoulos as “forceful” and maintained that he answered all questions, gave remarks to a crowd of over 1,000 supporters, and answered queries from the traveling press pool.

The Biden campaign circulated talking points noting: “The interview clearly showed that President Biden is focused and determined to win this race.”

A few Biden allies, including Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa), Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del), expressed strong support for the president. However, their endorsements failed to dispel broader Democratic concerns that Biden is not well-positioned to beat Trump.

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) joined his Democratic House colleagues Lloyd Doggett (Texas), Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.), and Seth Moutlon (Mass.), calling for Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race. Quigley lauded Biden's legacy but implored him to let someone else take over to prevent a catastrophe.

Contributors to this report include Elena Schneider, Daniella Diaz, Brakkton Booker, Ally Mutnick, Eli Stokols, Adam Cancryn, and Shia Kapos.

Camille Lefevre for TROIB News